Chapter Text
Chapter 1
“Ash, wait.” Pinoe called running after the blonde.
Ashlyn stopped and waited for Pinoe to catch up with her.
“Look if it’s that big a deal you can switch and share with Tobin or someone.” Pinoe sighed knowing Tobin wanted to share with Alex.
“How am I going to explain to Ali I don’t want to share a tent with her?” Ashlyn said finally looking at Pinoe.
“Good point.” Pinoe said shaking her head.
“I’ll just have to suck it up and hope it’s a big enough tent to keep Ali at a distance.” Ashlyn said staring down at her gray Vans.
“Why isn’t her boyfriend coming anyway?” Ashlyn asked.
“Girls only camping trip. Blake was not invited.” Pinoe smiled.
Ashlyn cringed at the sound of his name. She refused to say his name. It’s not that Blake wasn’t a nice guy; he was but he was with her Ali. When Ali first told Ashlyn about him Ashlyn wanted to scream. She tried to be happy for her best friend but how could she be when she was head over heels in love with her.
“It will be ok Ash. You’ll see.” Pinoe patted the taller blonde’s back.
“Yeah.” Ashlyn said not convinced.
“I’ll swing by and pick you up about 6, ok?”
“Sure, Pin.”
XXX
By the time Ali had packed her pink Coach backpack for the three day camping trip she could barely lift the bag.
Abby laughed watching as Ali tried to put her back on.
“Thanks for being a gentlemen.” Ali rolled her eyes at Abby.
“Hey I got my own bag.” Abby said lifting up her small blue Nike backpack. “You don’t need your whole closet Al.”
“These are the essentials.” Ali said proudly.
“Oh, like toilet paper and stuff?”
“What? Toilet paper? Aren’t there bathrooms? Showers?” Ali pleaded.
“Oh Kriegs. You are such a diva.” Abby said shaking her head.
“I just..” a car honked sounded outside interrupting her.
“Ready?” Abby raised an eyebrow as Ali hoisted her pack up with a loud grunt.
“Yep.” Ali said almost tipping back over.
Syd’s pearl white Escalade sat in the driveway with the bass thumping.
Alex jumped down out of the passenger side pulling Ali into a big hug.
“Hey guys.” Alex pulled Abby into a side hug.
“Um Ali did you pack your room?” Syd laughed peering over her gold aviators.
Ali rolled her eyes as Syd raised the back so they could put their packs in.
Ali took the front seat while Alex and Abby piled in the middle row.
“Let’s roll bitches! We are picking up Tobin and Kelley.” Syd said backing out of the drive. “Pinoe and Ash are meeting us there.”
“I’m so ready for this.” Alex gleamed.
“You mean Tobin?” Ali giggled.
“You mean Ashlyn?” Alex threw back at her, not missing the blush that crept into Ali’s checks.
“Righttt.” Ali drew out. “Oh that reminds me I need to text Blake.”
Everyone rolled their eyes at the mention of Blake. It was clear that Blake was only a cover until Ali finally faced the truth.
“How is Blake?” Syd asked trying not to sound too bored.
“He’s ok. He’s bummed he couldn’t come on this trip but I told him girls only.” Ali said not looking up from her phone.
“I’m sure he will enjoy spending time with his friends.” Abby said staring out the window.
“Is Jennifer coming?” Alex asked.
Abby shot her a death glare.
“What?” Alex asked confusion showing on her face.
“Who’s Jennifer?” Ali said looking at Syd who was clearly tensed.
“Jennifer is someone Ash knows... Man you guys really don’t talk much anymore, huh?” Syd did her best to chuckle.
“You don’t know?” Alex said looking at Abby for answers.
Ali felt her stomach drop as she let Syd’s words sync in. Ash has a girlfriend? When did this happen? Blake did take up a lot of her time but she needed the distraction.
Ali let her thoughts carry her away as Adele’s Someone Like You taunted her thru the speakers.
XXX
Ashlyn laughed as she watched Pinoe’s bright orange Marmot tent collapse on her for the fourth time.
“Are you going to let me help you now?” Ashlyn asked pulling one of the text stakes out of the ground.
“Fine.” Pinoe mumbled as she crawled out of the tent heap.
Ashlyn grabbed the sides of the tent and easily had it up in a few minutes earning an eye roll from Pinoe.
“That’s got to be Syd.” Ash said hearing loud music.
Tobin was the first to emerge from the wooded trail followed be the rest of the girls. All pulling their packs and camping gear.
“Hey guys! Nice job with the tent!” Tobin slapped Pinoe on the back.
“Piece of cake.” Pinoe said earning her an eye roll from Ashlyn.
“How many tents are there to set up?” Abby asked dropping her bag and rolling up her sleeves.
“Four, two to a tent.” Pinoe replied.
“Who is sharing with whom?” Kelley asked grabbing a beer from the cooler.
“Syd is with Abs, Tobin with Alex, Ali with Ash, Kelley with me.” Pinoe said wiggling her eyebrows at Kelley.
“Oh good God.” Kelley laughed as Pinoe pulled her into a headlock.
“I’ll help you guys put the tents up.” Tobin said blushing as she walked past Alex.
“Thanks Tobs.” Ashlyn handed Tobin one of the tents to fold.
Ali watched as Ashlyn’s tattooed bicep flexed as she pounded a tent stake into the ground. She felt the oh too familiar butterflies in her stomach she had been trying to avoid. She is so hot. How the hell I’m in going to sleep in that tiny tent her. It’s just a stupid little crush. I am NOT gay!
“You doing ok man?” Tobin asked looking at the worried look on Ashlyn’s face.
“Yeah I guess.” Ashlyn exhaled heavily.
“Is Jennifer coming?” Tobin tried to ask quietly but Ali overheard.
“She might come out on Sunday after work.” Ashlyn reddened.
“Three to tent is kinda crowded isn’t it?” Tobin chucked wiping her brow.
Ali walked over and interjected, “I can sleep in Abby and Syd’s tent.”
Ashlyn couldn’t hide the surprised look on her face as she scrambled with the tent.
“Ash? Did you hear me?” Ail asked.
“Nah Al its fine. You don’t need to.” Ashlyn anxiously answered not making eye contact.
“Um well ok.” Ali said confused. “Why didn’t you tell me you had a girlfriend?”
Ashlyn cringed hearing Ali say girlfriend. “She’s not my girlfriend Al.”
“Ok. Then why didn’t you tell me you were seeing someone?” Ali pressed harder.
“It’s only been a month.”
“A month?” Ali shouted.
Everyone stopped pretending they weren’t listening; watching with interest.
“You have been seeing some chick for a month and never once thought your best friend would want to know?” Ali shouted as she paced.
Ashlyn hung her head sheepishly. “You haven’t been around much.” You don’t want me Ali.
Ali turned looking at Tobin, “Wait does everyone know but me?”
Everyone looked at Ashlyn to answer.
“Great just great. You’ve probably met her too?” Ali said looking at the girls, Abby and Pinoe nodded yes.
Ali stomped back toward Syd’s escalade furious and embarrassed.
“Are you going to go after her?” Tobin asked Ashlyn as she sat down on a log next to Alex.
“I’ll go.” Abby said as she handed Syd her mallet.
“You ok?” Pinoe asked Ashlyn.
“No. I hurt her but I didn’t know how to tell her. Our friendship is complicated.” Ashlyn sighed.
“Right “friendship,” Pinoe said putting air quotes around friendship. Kelley giggled and Tobin threw her a glare.
Pinoe pulled Ashlyn to the camp chair next to her, “Look Ash you deserve to be happy, just as Ali does. You can’t pine for someone forever.”
“I don’t think Ali is as happy as she pretends to be.” Syd suggested.
“Yeah I mean Blake is hot but Ali doesn’t seem to really be that happy when she is around him.” Alex said.
“Hot? You think Blake is hot?” Tobin asked pulling on the strings of her hoodie.
“Yeah I mean he’s nice looking.” Alex blushed.
“Huh.” Tobin said before taking another sip of her Coors Lite.
Pinoe rolled her eyes and mumbled, “It would be nice if all the crushes would get it figured out.”
XXX
“Ali wait up.” Abby called out as she chased after the brunette.
Ali stopped turning as Abby caught up to her.
“She can be such an ass Abby.” Ali said tears stinging her eyes. “I can’t believe she told everyone but me. And you guys have met her?”
“Look Ali she didn’t know how to tell you.” Abby said gently squeezing Ali’s shoulders.
“How about hey bff by the way I’m fucking seeing someone?” Ali spat.
Abby saw the tears about to fall as she pulled Ali into a hug.
“I know this isn’t the best way for this come out but it will work out. Ash adores you. I’m sure she had her reasons.” Abby said softly.
“Reasons? Why would she possibly want to keep this from me? We are best friends.”
Abby raised her eyebrow. “Um..I don’t know. May be because you would freak out?” Abby asked.
“Freak out? Really. I’m freaking out because she didn’t tell me she has a girlfriend.” Ali insisted.
“Ok.” Abby said pulling back from Ali with a knowing look.
“What you think I’m freaking out because I want to be her girlfriend?” Ali laughed.
Abby didn’t say anything as Ali paced.
“Yeah that’s good Ab. I’m secretly in love with my best friend. Not MY BOYFRIEND of ten months.”
Abby watched as Ali frantically continued to pace.
“Yeah I am secretly gay. Why not? Sorry Blake I can’t see you anymore. Why not? I’m gay.” Ali snarled. “I can’t stop thinking about Ash. I can’t stop dreaming about her. I can’t stop wishing she would grab me and kiss me..”
Abby saw the pain of realization in Ali’s face as she turned to face her. “Abby…”
“What are you going to do Al?” Abby softly asked.
“It’s too late.”
“No babe. It’s not. Trust me.” Abby kissed her temple.
XXX
Laughter and the boom box that Abby supplied filled the camp as Ali and Abby made it back to the campsite.
“Everything ok?” Syd asked rubbing Ali’s back as she sat down beside her.
Ali nodded as Tobin handed her a hard cider. “Thanks Tob.”
“So what should we do now that everything is set up?” Kelley asked.
“How about a game?” Alex suggested. Abby groaned and took a swig of beer.
“What game?” Pinoe perked up.
“Spin the bottle?” Alex said coyly letting her thigh lean on Tobin’s.
“EEEWWW no thanks.” Syd said sticking her tongue out.
“Really Alex? How old are we?” Ali said. “And hello there aren’t any guys here.”
“So.” Alex said rolling her eyes.
“Oh my God guysss,” Kelley sang out already tipsy. “We should play I Never.”
“That never ends well Kell. Let’s do it.” Pinoe squealed.
“Oh God.” Ash grumbled still yet to make eye contact with Ali.
“Who wants to go first?” Alex asked looking around.
“I got a good one, I’ll go.” Syd laughed.
“Ok Syd go for it.” Alex giggled.
“I will if Ali puts her phone down. No boys Kriegs.” Syd said frowning.
“Oh geez. I don’t even get a signal..” Ali’s phone sent off a text alert. Syd gave her an oh really look as Ali slid her phone in her back pocket.
“Ok now if everyone is ready.” Syd looked around at the willing and some not so willing faces.
“I never slept with a woman.” Syd smiled and watched as Abby, Pinoe, Kelley and Ashlyn took drinks.
Pinoe bleached loudly. “Duh Syd. Come on, boring.”
“Ew Pin.” Ali gasped waving her hand in front of her nose.
“You go then Pinoe.” Tobin gestured at the blond.
“Ok Tobs ok.” Pinoe said with a mischievous look.
“I never had a crush on someone on this team.”
Tobin’s face fell turning bright red.
“What’s the matter Tobs? You feeling ok?” Pinoe teased with a pouty face.
“Leave her alone Pinoe.” Ali commanded.
“Oh don’t even get me started on you Kriegs.” Pinoe rolled her eyes.
“What?” Ali asked staring intently as the blonde.
“Oh come we all know you have the hots for..” Abby tackled Pinoe before she knew what hit her.
“Abs come on what gives.” Pinoe squirmed trying to free herself.
“I think you’ve had enough to drink.” Abby said grabbing the beer from Pinoe.
“Geez Ab. You’re no fun.”
“You’ll thank me when you have friends in the morning.” Abby snickered.
Ali looked up and caught Ashlyn looking at her. Ali blushed and hoped Ashlyn didn’t know who Pinoe was talking about. I am that obvious?
Ali watched as Ashlyn stood up.
“Where you going Ash?” Kelley asked.
“I’m going try and find a signal. I need to make a quick call.” Ashlyn blushed slightly.
“No phone sex.” Kelley laughed.
Ashlyn rolled her eyes and headed into the trees.
Once she was out of sight everyone glanced at Ali.
“What?”
“You ok Al?” Syd asked.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” Ali said trying to stay strong. No I am not ok. Ash is on the phone with some girl who isn’t me. Possibly having phone sex?! What the hell..
“Um ok. Who is she fooling? Right?” Pinoe slurred turning to Kelley.
Ali whipped her phone out to text Blake back. Syd turned the music up as ZZ Ward’s throaty vocals filled the campsite.
Ashlyn returned joining Tobin on the log and watched as most of the girls were up dancing.
“What’s wrong?” Tobin asked seeing the anxious look on her face.
“Jennifer is coming here in the morning. She got a coworker to take her shift.” Ashlyn gulped.
Tobin shot a look at Ali who unquestionably heard.
“That’s great. I can’t wait to meet her.” Tobin tried to sound excited for her friend.
“Yeah it’s great.” Ashlyn exhaled loudly.
XXX
“What time is it?” Syd asked barely able to hold her head up.
“2:38.” Ali said looking at her phone.
“Syd you mind if I go plug my phone into your Escalade?” Ali asked glancing over at Syd.
“Sure Al go for it. Be careful.” Syd said trying to keep her eyes open.
“I’ll walk with you.” Ashlyn said standing up.
“Ash you don’t have to.” Ali said.
Ashlyn rolled her eyes and walked with Ali back to where the SUV was parked.
“This is going to be a nightmare.” Abby groaned.
“Why did Ash have to invite Jennifer?” Kelley asked.
Alex shrugged, “It’s her GIRLfriend. She doesn’t have an excuse like Ali, girls only. What’s she supposed to say? I don’t want you to come and meet the woman of my dreams who I madly in love with?”
“That’s a start.” Pinoe said sobering up. “I’m going to bed.”
“Yeah we should get some sleep.” Abby agreed.
Everyone headed into their tents not waiting up for Ali and Ashlyn.
XXX
“Look Al, I’m really sorry I didn’t tell you about Jennifer.” Ashlyn kicked over a rock.
Ashlyn saw Ali shiver in the crisp night air. Removing her green Adidas hoodie she wrapped it around the brunette’s shoulders letting her arm lingering longer than necessary.
“I just don’t understand why you told everyone but me? Do you know how much that hurts?” Ali said turning to face Ashlyn.
“I know Al. I’m really sorry. I should have told you.” Ashlyn said shining her phone light on the wooded path as they got further from the camp.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Ali stopped, turning to look at the taller girl. “Please.”
“Please what?” Ashlyn murmured staring down at Ali’s lips.
Ali shivered at the hunger she saw in Ashlyn’s eyes.
Ashlyn rubbed her hands up and down Ali’s arms causing Ali’s stomach to flip. “Still cold?” Ashlyn asked with concern.
Ali shook her head no. “Let’s just hurry. I’m really tired.”
“Ok Al. Me too.” Ashlyn said remembering they would be sleeping two feet from each other. God help me.
XXX
“Tobin your feet are like fricking ice.” Alex shrieked.
“Sorry.” Tobin said sliding her socks on. “But it’s a great idea to bring a double sleeping bag Alex. It’s a lot warmer.”
“Glad you think so too Tob. You’re super warm.” Alex flirted back.
“Oh my God. Would you two shut up?” Pinoe yelled from the tent next to them.
“Geez sorry man.” Tobin shouted back.
“Oh Kelley you’re so beautiful. Let’s share a sleeping bag. Are you warm enough? Ugh. I’m going to puke at all the flirting around here.” Pinoe whined.
“Someone is jelly.” Syd laughed.
“For sure.” Kelley giggled. “Ouch Pin! Don’t’ hit girls. That might be WHY you are single.”
“Whatever. I’m going to bed.” Pinoe said pulling the blanket over her head.
“Abby!” Syd screamed jumping in her bag. “A bear.”
Abby glanced at the shadow walking in front of their tent. “Night Ash.”
Syd glanced up at the figure walking by, “Oh…night Ash.”
“Go to bed.” Abby commanded. “Everyone please.”
XXX
Ali shifted as she felt the heat coming off of Ashlyn’s body. Her toned, sexy body. What’s wrong with me? She’s my best friend. Pull it together Kriegs. You’re straight. You have a boyfriend.
“You ok?” Ashlyn softly purred in her ear.
Ali’s ears flushed as thousands of goosebumps covered her body.
“Yeah.” Ali softly sighed.
“Cold?”
“A little but I’m fine Ash real..” Ashlyn pulled Ali into her, spooning her. Ashlyn husked into her ear, “Better?”
Ali could only nod as warm strong arms held her. It took every ounce of Ali’s will not to moan as Ashlyn’s body melted into her’s.
Once Ali’s breathing steadied Ashlyn kissed the top of her head; savoring the last few moments with her favorite person before falling asleep.